Census of Housing

About Census of Housing

The census of housing, taken every 10 years since 1940, provides detailed information on housing characteristics. Information can be found for areas as small as census tracts, towns, etc., as well as for larger areas such as cities, metropolitan areas, and states. Housing characteristics such as number of units, plumbing facilities, tenure, value, rent, fuels, heating equipment, etc., are shown.

Every housing unit in the United States is asked a limited number of basic demographic and housing questions such as race, age, marital status, housing value or rent (referred to as 100-percent questions). A sample of these housing units are asked more detailed questions such as income and housing costs in addition to the basic housing information (referred to as sample questions). Approximately one out of every six housing units in the Nation are included in the census sample.